Automatic parking meter



Sept. 11, 1934. R, w. BABSON AUTOMATIC PARKING METER Original Filed July 8, 1930 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 z' W lizwizfii' jzajw" if. 174%076,

R. W. BABSON Sept. 11, 1934.

AUTOMATIC PARKING METER Original Filed July 8, 1930 Patented Sept 11, 1934 AUTOMATIC PARKING METER Roger W. Babson, Wellesley, Mass.

Application July 8, 1930, Serial No. 466,421 Renewed February 15, 19st 26 Claims. (Cl. 194-6) The present invention relates to apparatus of the general character disclosed in my prior Patent No. 1,731,839, October 15, 1929, and my'pend'mg application, Serial No. 420,270, filed January 11,

5 1930, for controlling the parking of vehicles, and particularly of automobiles in public places. It has a similar purpose to that of said pending application, to wit, of showing the authorities whether or not a car parked in a public place is properly parked, and to give notice at once to all concerned when the car has been left beyond the limit of time permitted for parking in that location. Its primary new purpose is to cause the signal means by which such notice is given to be set in operation automatically by the automobile 'upon its arrival in the parking location. That is, while it is necessary with the devices shown in my prior disclosures that some person, ordinarily the driver of the automobile, perform an act after the car has been parked, so as to effect a connection between the car and an indicator or meter, it is my present purpose to obviate that necessity. This object is accomplished by a switch or switch actuator located where it will be engaged by some part of the car when the car is properly parked, and will operate a signal device, or set in action means for subsequently actuating such a device, or both.

A further object is to enable the signal device to be located at any desired distance from the parked automobile, as upon the wall of an adjacent building or other previously existing structure, and to obviate the necessity of erecting a post or other special structure at the curb of the 3.5'sidewalk adjacent to the parking berth to be physically connected with the car. This object likewise is accomplished through the fact that the signal means is put into operation by bringing the car into the parking berth. 40 Other objects are-to enable the owner or driver of the car to obtain an extension of the parking time by depositing a coin in the apparatus; and to prevent the driver from extending the time without payment by withdrawing the car from the switcher other actuator and then returning it into the parking location.

The new steps in which the invention consists are illustratively shown in the drawings herewith and described in the following specification. 'I'nese fllustration's are not exclusive or exhaustive, and are not intended to limit the scope of e wise than as measured by the rior art. The present apion in part of my copendof electric lamps mounted on the top of the post or column shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is a view similar in its character to Fig. 1 showing the location of the signal and metering apparatus on the wall of a building facing the street on which the automobile is parked;

Fig. 5 is a detail sectional view showing part of the sidewalk curb with an electric switch therein for controlling the signal and metering elements of the apparatus, and a switch actuator projecting therefrom for operation by the auto- '55 mobile wheel;

Fig. 6 is an illustrative electrical diagram suitable for carrying out the primary purpose of this invention in the simplest embodiment thereof;

Fig. 7 is a sectional detail view of a timing mechanism or meter adapted for cooperative use;

Fig. 8 is an elevation, with parts broken away and shown in section of a further embodiment of the invention containing the same principles with the addition of means for permitting an extension of parking time by deposit of a coin and preventing unpaid extension of such time;

' Fig. 9 is a cross section of this apparatus taken on line 9-9 of Fig. 8;

Figs. 10 and 11 are fragmentary elevations showing the change gear mechanism of the timing mechanism in different positions;

Fig. 12 is an illustrative electrical diagram of the apparatus as amplified by the additional means referred to in the description of Fig. 8.

Like reference characters designate the same parts wherever they occur in all the figures.

I will now describe the apparatus shown in the drawings, inthe understanding that such showing and description is illustrative of the principles of the invention and does not limit the protection claimed 'to the details so shown. In one of the possible arrangements, a hollow column or post 11 is erected near the curb of a sidewalk 12 and supports at its upper end a transparent or translucent globe 13 in which are two incandescent electric lamps, a green lamp 14 and a red lamp 15. The wires for supplying current to these lamps pass through the hollow column into a box or charnber'embedd'ed in the sidewalk in which are an electricswitch and a timing, or metering, and circuit changing apparatus.

The switch in the form shown in Figs. 5 and 6 comprises a stationary contact 16 and a movable contact 1'7 carried by a spring arm 18 secured to an insulating block 19 which isolates it electrically from the contact 16; the latter being in turn secured mechanically to the wall of the containing chamber, andelectrically insulated therefrom, by an insulating plate 20. The spring arm 18 normally holds the switch contacts apart, but it is operated to bring them together and close the circuit by an actuator in the form of a bell crank lever pivoted at 21, in the sidewalkcurb or the wall of the enclosing box. Said actuator has an arm 22 projecting into the enclosureu'nder the spring arm 18, and an external arm 23 protruding from the sidewalk curb at such an angle that,"

when pressed upon by the wheel of an automobile, it will be depressed, raising arm 22and 'clo'sing the switch. A spring 24 is shown here as connected to the arm 22 and anchored on the frame, for normally withdrawing said arm and raising the external arm 23; but it may be omitted and the resilient switch .arm 18 alone used for that purpose. The external arm 23 is preferably made with a considerable width, lengthwise of the curb, in order to be engaged by the wheel of an automobile when the latter is brought anywhere within the limits of the berth provided for parking. It may be formed and positioned for depression by the wheel of an automobile parked parallel to the curb, or diagonally or square to the curb.

The principle contained in this switch and its actuator may be embodiedin many diverse ways, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art, all

within the scope of my generic invention. For example, the actuator-may be located in the road to be operated by the wheel running over it, or it may be so made and located as to beoperatively moved by some other part of the car than the wheel. the actuator itself may be, or carry, a part of the electric-switch instead of operating an independent switch. Again, the actuator may be caused to operate or control signals of various kinds mechanically instead of electrically.

- The timing or metering apparatus shown in Fig. .7 comprises an electric motor 25 vwhich is adapted to start automatically when its controlling circuit is closed and to run at-a substantially uniform speed. Motors of this character suitable for the purpose are available.v commercially. It drives, through reducing gearing 26, 27, 28, 29

. andBG, 'of a character adequately shown in. the

drawings, a timing member 3lsecured on an endwise movable shaft or stafl 32 on which the gear element is also secured. The timing member is here a circular disk having a depending cylindrical skirt r-fiange 33 in which at one point is a notch or opening 34. Such flange cooperates with a spring arm 35 mounted on a fixed support 36 and serving as one member, orthe actuator, of a circuit closer. The spring arm has an offset or projection at 37 (see Fig. 6) extending toward 'the flange 33 and normally occupyingthe opening 34', therein, the arm being then in unstressed condition and in open circuit position. Rotation of the timing member causes the flange thereof to bear on the onset 37 and flex the spring arm-, bringing its circuit closing element 38 into engagement with'the cofnplemental contact or con-- ductor 39 of the, circuit closer.

Shaft 32 is movable endwise, as previously" ,stated. from the position shown by full lines to:

that shown by dotted lines in Fig. '1. In the dotted line position its pinion 30 is disengaged from the gear 29 of the driving mechanism. One arm 40 of a two-armed lever extends across the end of the shaft, and a spring 41 acts on the other arm 42 of this lever. Arm 42 is also the armature of an electromagnet 43. When the magnet is inactive, .spring 41 is effective, to movelever into the dotted line position and disengage the timing member from the motor 25; but when the magnet is energized, its attraction, together with the unbalanced weight of the movable parts, and the tension of a spring 44, overcomes spring 41 and causes the'timing member to be coupled with the motor.

Spring 44 surrounds shaft 32 and is secured at one end theretm while its other end is fastened to the framing in which the shaft has its bearing. This-spring has the primary purpose and function of returning the timing member from "the position to. which it has been advanced by the motor backto starting position when released from the drivingmechanism as just described.

The provisions last described for coupling the timing-member with the motor, uncoupling it therefrom, and returning it to starting position,

are substantially like correspondingmeans described and originally claimed in my prior. 00-

tact 16 of the main switch. Fromthe contact 17 of this switch a conductor 11 leads to one terminal of the winding of magnet 43, from the other.

terminal of which an extension of the same circuit b leads to a two way switch comprising a circuit closer 45 movable into contact exclusively. with one or'the other; of twocontacts 46 and 47. A conductor b' rims from thencontact 46 through the green signal light 14 to the negative lead 0 of the line; and a conductor b leads from red signal. light 15.-

the contact 47' through the to the same negative lead.

A shunt circuit conductor d branches from the] conductor b to the motor 25, from which a con-- tinuation of the same line leads to a normally closed switch comprising a stationarycontact 48 and a movable contact 49 spring actuated toward circuit closing position-.-. The line d is connected with the switch member 49, while the contact'48 is connected by lead.

a c onductor e with thenegative Another branch conductor ff leads toone side of I the circuit closer 38, 39, ffrom the other side of which a conductor g passes to the, negative lead and includes the winding of an electromagnet 50. The circuit closer or switch.45 is the armature of electromagnet 50, uncontrolled by the armature thereof, and is otherwise so arranged or, actuated that it normally' completesthecircuit with-contact 48, and is adapted, when shifted by magnet 50;t0 break that circuit and complete aparallel circuit'through conductor 47. e

The apparatus functions thusz-When the automobile is driveninto the parking'berth, its

wheel bearsagainst the actuator arm- 23 and closes the main switch 16-17. This directs current simultaneously through the circuits b and d. That through d starts the motor 25, and that through I) energizes magnet 43 and also lights the green light 14. The activity of magnet 43 immediately causes the timing member 31 to be put in gear with motor 25 and set in rotation. After lapse of a prescribed time, which is determined by the normal speed of the motor, the value of the gearing 2630, the diameter of flange 33 and the width of notch 34, or any one or more of these factors singly or in conjunction, the timing member causes the circuit to be completed through the circuit closer or switch 3539. The time interval before this happens may be set, by the factors above mentioned, at half an hour, an hour, or any other time for which parking is permitted by the authorities in the locality where the apparatus is installed. Closing of the switch 3539 causes current to flow through the circuit 9 and energize magnet 50, which changes the switch 45 so as to illuminate the red light and extinguish the green light, thereby showing to all concerned that the car has remained in the parking place beyond the permitted time.

When the car is removed from the parking place, the main switch is opened and all the electrical apparatus put out of action. Inaction of the magnet 43 allows spring 41 to shift the timing member out of gear with the motor and permits the spring 44 to return the timing member to zero position. But. if the car is left parked indefinitey, the timing member is stopped before it has been rotated farenough to bring its notch 34 up to the circuit closer 35 and so cause the green light to be again lighted and the red light extinguished. Such stoppage is effected by a pin or finger 5l,carried by the member 31, which comes up to the switch contact 49 and withdraws it from the contact 50 while the switch 3539 is still closed. Opening of the switch 49-- '48 breaks the circuit of motor 25 and stops it;

but the circuits through the magnets 43 and 50 and the red light 15 remain closed.

Evidently the signal need not be located at the sidewalk curb, or otherwise contiguous to the border of the roadway or parking space, but may be located in any other place, if desired. Thus, for instance, in cities it may be mounted out of the way of pedestrians on a building opposite to the parking berth to which it is related, as shown in Fig. 4, where 13a represents the signal and 52 the front of the building set back by the width of a sidewalk from the parking berth. The fact that the control is electrical enables either the signal alone, or both the signal and the timing or metering and signal changing apparatus to be located anywhere most convenient, whether near to or remote'from the parking berth.

A system of-such signals as this erected alongside or near public streets, shows to the officer on duty, as soon as he comes in sight, which ones of a row of parked cars have overstayed the time limit, and enables him to take the necessary measures at once. On the other hand, the failure of either the red or the green light beside any parked car to glow, instead of indicating that the car has overstayed the limit, shows that it has not been properly parked and puts the burden on the driver or owner of the car of justifying himself.

The phases of this invention which are concemed with legitimate prolongation of parking time, obtained by payment, and prevention of such extensions without payment, are carried out by additional means in combination with the signaling and time measuring means already described, or equivalents thereof. One embodiment of such further means, comprising additional electric circuits and switches, is shown in Figs. 8-12 in combination with an embodiment of signals, time measuring and signal changing means, substantially identical with that first described. In these latter figures the signals, motor, and such switches as correspond with those first described are designated by the same reference characters. Here the equivalent of the timing member 31- is a cam 31a having two diametrically opposite shoulders 31b and 310 connected by a low dwell at one side of the axis and a high dwell at the opposite side, as plainly shown by the drawings. This cam controls a switch 48-49 in the circuit of the motor, and a circuit changer 45 operating between contacts 46 and 47 which are in circuit respectively with the green signal light 14 and the red light 15. The endwise movable shaft 32a is controlled by a shift lever 40a, actuated by electromagnet 43a and spring 41a, and is returned by a spring 44a to zero position when released from driven connection with the motor, substantially as previously described. However, it is adapted to be coupled with the driving mechanism in either of two positions, in one of which it is driven at a slower rate than when in the other position. It is normally placed in the fast running position by closing of the switch actuated by the automobile, and in the slow running position by deposit of a coin after the first switch has been closed.

The three positions of the timing cam or disk are shown in Figs. 9, 10 and 11, respectively. The motor 25 drives, through reducing gearing 26a, 27a, 28a, 29a, 30a. and 52 a shaft on which are a large gear 53 and a smaller gear 54 axialy spaced apart. The shaft 32a carries a larger gear 55 adapted to mesh with 54 and a smaller gear 56 adapted to mesh with 53, with a different axial spacing between them than the spacing between gears 53, and 54 so that either gear pair, 53-56 or 5455, may be put into mesh exclusively of the other. When the apparatus is inactive, with the -main switch open, the timing cam occupies the position shown in Fig. 9, disconnected from the motor driven mechanism. :When the main switch is closed by a parked automobile, but no money is deposited, the timing cam occupies the position of Fig. 10, wherein it is driven at its higher speed by the gears 53-56. But when a coin'is deposited to secure a longer time of parking, the gears 54-55 are put in mesh'and the cam is driven at a slower rate.

The timing cam is driven in the direction shown by the arrow in Figs. 8 and 12, and is rotated through a half revolution in the time allowed for free parking, which may be half an hour, or any other limit established by the authorities. At the end of this period the shoulder 31b shifts the circuit changer 45 from its circuit closing engagement with the contact 46, wherein it illuminates the green light 14, to circuit closing engagement with contact 47, wherein it illuminates the red light 15 and extinguishes the green light. At the same time, or shortly thereafter, the cam shoulder 31c passes the switch arm 49 and allows the latter'to move by its spring action away from the contact 48, against which it was previously held by the high dwell of the cam, thus breaking the circuit of the motor so that the red light will continue to glow thereafter for as long a time as the car remains in the parking berth.

- The timing cam is placed in the fast running position by shifter 40a. under the influence of magnet 430. which is actuated as soon as the main switch 16-17 is closed by the automobile, which causes current to flow through the circuit! in which the magnet winding is interposed. The

same circuit includes a switch 57, the closer element,58 of which is carried by the core of a solenoid 59 or the armature of an equivalent electromagnet, in a branch circuit h controlled by a deposited coin. The circuit It also includes two separated contacts 60 and 61 entering the coin chute or'receiver 62 and adapted to be connected in circuit by a coin occupying the chute. There is a stop or gate 63 actuated by a solenoid 64 or equivalent electromagnet to enter and cross the chute when said magnet is made active, thereby supporting a coin in its contact with terminals 60 and 61. When this solenoid is inactive a spring 65 retracts the gate and allows the coin to fall out of the chute.

In using the coin controlled apparatus the operator first drives into the parking berth so as to press his car against the switch actuator or trigger 23. This closes the switch contacts 16 and 17, and also a third contact 66 which causes current to flow through the circuit ba, 45, i6 and b of the green light. At the same time current flows through circuit b, d, 49, 48 to the motor 25, driving the latter; and through b, 57, 58, to magnet 43a, causing the shift lever 40a to couple the timing cam with the motor through the high speed transmission gearing, as shown in Fig. 10.

. At the same time a branch circuit 2' passes current to energize magnet 64, which places the gate 63 so as to obstruct thecoin chute. A coin of the prescribed denomination, being now placed in the chute, closes the circuit 71. and energizes solenoid 59, which opens the switch 57-58 and allows .the magnet 43a to become inactive. But the same action of solenoid '59 which opens switch 57, places a stop 67 in the path of lever 40a so as to limit the movement of this lever and stop it when, under the pressure of spring 410, it has shifted the gear 56 out of mesh with 53 and gear 55 into mesh with 54, as shown in Fig. 11. Stop 67 is attached to the core of solenoid 59 so as to be held normally at one side of the path in which shift lever 40a moves, as is best shown by the dotted line construction in Fig.8, and is shifted into that path when the solenoid is energized. Then the timing cam rotates at the slower rate for which the gearing 54-55 is designed and, at

the end of a corresponding length of time, 1 es the signals and stops the motor, unlessthe car has been removed earlier. When the car is removed, the breaking of the main switch deenergizes magnet 64 and allows the coin to pass. out, of the chute. It will be understood without explanation that any of the safeguards usual or applicable to prevent deposit of a. coin of less than the value prescribed for the privilege purchased,

'- may be used in this apparatus.

To prevent the'motorist from improperly obtaining an extension of parking time by withdrawing his car from the curb enough to open the main switch, and then returning it into the switch closing position, I have provided a branch circuit -9 for the motor, by passing the main switch,in which are separated switch terminals ,68 controlled by a thermostatic circuit closer 69.

The illustrated embodiment of this clrcuitmlo ser barwhichissubjectedtothelnisa bimetallic o gers held in open circuit position by a spring 73 and is put in closed circuit position by an electromagnet 74' in a branch circuit k which is coupled to the main switch contact 66. Thus, when the main switch is closed, heat is generated causing the thermostatic switch to close the branch circuit 1', and to remain closed for va'period which may be made as long as desired by appropriate design of the switch, enclosing it in a heat insulated enclosure, etc., and is preferably caused to be slightly less than the time needed for the re moval of a car already parked and the entrance into the same berth of another car. Due to the thermostatic switch, the motor continues to run even after the main switch is opened, for as long a time as is needed for the thermostatic switch to cool ofi and open. Current also continues to flow through the circuits controlling the magnets 43a and 64, so that the opening of the main switch has no immediate efiect except to break the circuit of the heater.

It will be understood of course that the signal lights herein described are typical of any signal devices, whether visible or audible and whether lights or indicators of other charactershaving definite meanings, and whether electrically or mechanically operated, which could be used for the purpose, and that the timing mechanism also is typical of a considerable range of equivalent means adapted to the same result. Instead of the timing means being electrical, it may be mechanical, such as a clock work, and may be set into operation mechanically and operate and change the signals by mechanical as well as electrical means. It will also be understood that for the purposes of this inventionsolenoids are equivalent to the electromagnets herein described, and other forms of electromagnetic motors, and typify any motive elements capable of being used for the purposes which they serve. Hence the term electromagnet is used herein with generic significance to designate any such device. Further, while automobiles are the vehicles with which my herein described solution of the parking problem is primarily concerned, yet this fact and the references in the specification and claims to automobiles or motor cars are not intended to indicate any limitation of use or scope of the invention for which protection is sought. Any vehicle of transportation which may be left by the operator at a place usable for like purposes by other members of the public is contemplated as equivalent to the automobile specified herein within the spirit and scope of the invention.

The term coin used herein is intended to include not only monetary units, but also "all other tokens, tickets or the like, whether having actual value, or only conventional value, for the purposes of the parking apparatus, which are adapted to cause or initiate, directly or indirectly, substantially the effects accomplished byv the coin in the foregoing description, and equivalent effects. What I claim and desire tosecure by Letters Patent is: n

1. A parking signal apparatus comprising a plurality of signal devices, timing meansoperated by force applied by a parked automobile for put-,

Its circuit includes coning means in action after cessation of such force means organized to change the indications given by said signals at the end of a given time interval, an electric circuit closer operated by force application of a parked automobile for putting one of said signals and said timing means into operation, a thermally operated circuit closer in shunt circuit with said timing means for continuing the operation thereof independently of the opening of the first named circuit closer, and an electric heater for said thermal circuit closer and means for putting the same into and out of action when the automobile is respectively placed in its parking berth and withdrawn therefrom.

3. A parking signal apparatus comprising means operable by an automobile when placed in a parking berth for causing actuation of a signal, timing means set into action by the parked automobile for changing the signal indication after a given time, and means also set into action by the parked automobile'for causing the timing means to continue in action for a prescribed time after withdrawal of the automobile from its actuating position in the parking berth.

4. An automobile parking apparatus comprising a signal, timing mechanism including a movable member adapted to operate said signal after having traversed a certain extent of movement, normal means for putting said movable member into operation at a prescribed rate of speed, and coin controlled means for causing said member to be driven at a slower rate of speed.

5. An automobile parking apparatus comprising time measuring means, an indicator operable by said measuring means, a device operable by an automobile in being parked to put said time measuring means into action, and associated means operable by deposit of a coin for causing the time measuring means to run at a slower rate.

6. An automobile parking apparatus comprising a movable timing mechanism, driving means including shiftable transmission gearing for actuating said timing memberat either one of a number of different speeds, normal means operated by an automobile when placed in a parking berth for coupling said transmission gearing for driving at one rate of speed, and means operated by deposit of a coin for placing the transmission gearing in a mode of connection for driving the timing member at a different rate of speed.

'7. An automobile parking apparatus compriselectric motor,'a timing member, transmissiori' mechanism between said motor and timing member including two gear trains of respectively different speed values, the timing member being shiftable into driven connection with either train exclusively and out of connection with both, yielding force applying means acting on said timing member and normally holding it disconnected from both trains, electromagnetic means adapted when energized to shift the timing member into connection with the transmission train having electrically coupled by a coin inserted in the apparatus, an electromagnetic device in the last named circuit, a circuit interrupter in the circuit of the first named electromagnetic device operable by the second named electromagnetic device, and means also controlled by the second electromagnetic means for causing placement of the timing device in connection with the slower speed driving gear train.

8. A parking signal apparatus comprising indicating signals, an electric motor, an electric switch located adjacent to a parking berth for operation by a parked automobile, connections through which one of said signals and said motor are put into action by operation of said switch, a signal changing device, a movable timing member having means for shifting said signal changing device at a predetermined point in the course of its movement, said timing member being adapted to be coupled with said motor but being normally uncoupled therefrom, andmeans operable by the parked automobile for coupling the timing member with the motor.

9. A parking signal apparatus as set forth in claim 8, comprising automatic means for uncoupling the timing member from the motor and returning said member to starting position after the car has left the parking place.

10. A parking signal apparatus as set forth in claim 8, comprising as the coupling means between the motor and timing member, a gear driven from the motor and a complemental gear connected to the timing member, one of said gears being shiftable axially into and out of mesh with the other gear.

11. A parking signal apparatus as set forth in claim 8, comprising a spring normally holding the timing member out of coupled connection with the motor, and in which the means for coupling the motor and timing member comprises an electromagnet and connections operable thereby for transmitting force and motion to the coupling means in opposition to the resistance of said spring.

12. A parking signal apparatus comprising signals of respectively difl'erent characters associated with a parking berth, control means operable by a vehicle when placed in such berth, signal actuating connections organized to put one of said sig-' nals into action immediately upon operation of said control means, a signal changing device, a movable timing means organized to actuate said signal changing device at a given point in the course of its movement, and connections for setting said timing means into action upon operation of said control means.

13. An automobile parking apparatus comprising changeable signal means adjacent to a parking berth, control means operable by a parked automobile, connections through which actuation of said control means immediately puts said signal means into one condition of indication, a signal changing device, a movable timing member constructed to operate said changing device at a given point in the course of its movement, connections operated by said control device for putting said timing member in motion, a coin receiver, and means operable by a coin deposited in said receiver for delaying the arrival of said timing member in the signal changing position.

14. An automobile parking apparatus comprising changeable signal means adjacent to a parking berth, control means operable by a parked automobile, connections through which actuation of said control means immediately puts said signal action of said timing means.

means into one condition of indication, a signal changing device, a movable timing member constructed-to operate said changing device at a given point in the course of its movement, connections operated by said control device for putting said timing member in motion, a. coin receiver, electromagnetic means adapted when energized to cause delay in the arrival of the timing means at said given point, and circuit controlling means for said electromagnetic device arranged to be put into action by a coin deposited in said receiver.

15. A parking signal apparatus comprising a signal designed to show overstay of an automobile in the parking berth to which the signal is appropriated, a controller operable by an automobile parked in such berth, timing means adapted to be set into action by operation of said controller, connections through which said timing means'is adapted to put said overstay signal into action at the end of a predetermined time from operation of said controller, a coin receiver, and means op-' erable by a coin deposited therein for delaying the 16. A parking signal apparatus as set forth in claim 15, comprising changeable driving means for the timing member adapted to eflect movement thereof at respectively difierent speeds, the controller operated connections being organized to set the timing member in motion at the faster of such speeds, and the coin controlled means being organized to cause progress of the timing member at a slower speed.

17. An automobile parking signal apparatus for use in connection with a parking berth, comprising a main controller operable by an automobile parked-in such berth, a motor, connections between saidcontroller and motor for immediately setting the motor in action when the controller is so operated, a timing means, shiftable driving con-' nections between said motor and timing member adapted to drive the latter at either of two difierent speeds, means operated by the main controller for putting said driving connections into condition to propel the timing member at the higher speed,

a coin receiver, means operable by a coin deposited therein for putting said driving connections into condition to propel the timing member at the slower speed, and signal operating means arranged to be actuated by said timing means at a given point in the course of its movement.

18. An automobile parking signal apparatus comprising a signal device adjacent to a parhng aavaevemember-is propelled by the motor, said spring being adapted to return the timing member to starting position when the latter is disengaged from the motor; 21. A parking signal apparatus comprising a main controller situated in such proximity to a parking berth for automobiles or other vehicles that it may be operated by such a vehicle placed in the berth, a signal, means for causing said signal to be put in action when the main con= troller is so operated, a second signal, a signal changing device'for causing the first named signal to become inactive and said second signal to-be made active, and means aiiected by deposit of a-coin for governing the action of said signal changing device. Y

22. A parking signal apparatus comprising a plurality of diiierent signals in parallel electric circuits, a two-way switch normally in closed circuit relation with one of said signals and adapted to be shifted into open circuit relation thereto and closed circuit relation with the other signal, a timing member movable at a predetermined rate 01 speed and having means for shifting said switch from the first to the second relation at a given point in its movement, a control switch for said timing member arranged to be operated thereby at the same time to stop the motion of the timing member, a main switch controlled by the parked vehicle ior putting the aforesaid elements into action, and coin controlled means for causing the timing member to be moved at a rate of speed slower than said predetermined rate.

23. A parking signal apparatus comprising a plurality of difierent signals in parallel electric circuits, a two-way switch normally in closed circuit relation with one of said signals and adapted to be shifted into open circuit relation thereto and closed circuit relation with the other signal, a timing member movable at a predetermined rate of speed and having means for shifting said switch from the first to the second relation at a given point in its movement, a control switch for said timing member arranged to be operated thereby-at the same time to stop the motion of the timing member, a main switch controlled by the parked vehicle for putting the aforesaid elements into action, and coin controlled means for delaying the time at which said switch isso shifted.

24. An automobile parking signal apparatus th, a n rm y stati na y m t r, a ntr l r comprising a plurality of signal devices, a signal operable by an automobile parked in such berth 'for starting said motor, .a timing member driven by the motor, a signal controller operable by said timing member when the latter arrives at a given position, and a secondary controller for the motor governed by the timing member to stop the motor when said member has arrived in such position.

19. A parking signal apparatus as set forth in claim 18, comprising means rendered operative upon removal of the automobile from such berth for returning the timing member to starting position.

20. In a parking indicator, a signal changing mechanism comprising an electric motor, a

- timing member shiftable into and out of geared connection with said motor, means normally holding member out, of such geared connection, operating means for bringing the timing member into such geared connection when the apparatus is putzin operation, and a spring connected with the timing member and arranged to be put under increased stress when the timing time for disabling the active signal and puttingthe other signal into action.

25. An automobile parking signal apparatus comprising two electric signals of specifically diiierent characters, electric circuits and switching means-shiitable to cause flow of current to either of said signals exclusively and being normally in position for closing the circuit of one of them, a normally open main switch arranged at a parking berth in position for circuit-closing actuation directly by an automobile parked in such berth, connected in electrical circuit with the sidewalk curb adjacent to a parking berth and above the ground level in position to be pressed upon and displaced by the wheel of an automobile parked adjacent to said curb, said actuator when so displaced causing one of the signals and the timing means to be set into action, a two way electric switch shiftable between circuits in which the several signal devices are separately connected, and means controlled by said timing mechanism for shifting said two way switch from one to another of said separate circuits.

ROGER W. BABSON. 

